Maize Anther Development Involves Translated Open Reading Frames From 3' Untranslated Regions

Area of Science:

• Plant molecular biology
• Maize genetics
• Plant physiology

Background:

• Limited research exists on peptides from open reading frames (ORFs) in noncoding regions, especially 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs).
• While 5' ORFs can inhibit main ORF translation, the function of 3' ORFs is largely unknown.
• Understanding these elements is crucial for maize anther development and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate translational regulation and peptide functions encoded by 5' and 3' ORFs in maize anthers across ten developmental stages.
• To explore the potential link between 3' ORFs and maize male sterility.
• To analyze photosynthetic activity within maize anthers.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of translational regulation across ten developmental stages of maize anthers.
• Identification and characterization of peptides translated from 5' and 3' ORFs.
• Genome-wide translation profiling.
• Physiological measurements of photosynthetic rates and electron transport.

Main Results:

• Peptides translated from 5' or 3' ORFs can be misidentified isoforms.
• 3' ORFs are potentially linked to anther sterility, exemplified by the APV1 locus.
• Photosynthesis-related genes are enriched during the binucleate microspore stage.
• Maize anthers exhibit CO2 assimilation with limited photosynthetic efficiency via a non-C4 pathway.

Conclusions:

• 3' ORFs represent potential targets for developing male-sterile maize lines.
• This study provides novel insights into the unique photosynthetic activity of maize anthers.
• Further research into noncoding region translation is warranted for understanding plant development.